Title: Deep in the Night
Author: WingedBlack
Rating: M
Summary: After Sirius and Harry finally meet in year 3, Sirius reveals a secret of his past to Harry. What will this secret change for Harry? Can it help Sirius, Harry and his friends with the trials yet to come?
Authors Note: This takes place from the end of Year 3 onward. This story is based upon a mixture of the books and the movies. I took most of my information from the books, so you'll find, among other things, that Harry is green-eyed. I was inspired by a few things: one, MissAnnThropic's "Vox Corporis", from which I took the idea of using Sara Teasdale's poem and another plot twist; two, Sirius is my favorite character in the books, and not surprisingly, the person chosen to act the part in the movies is my favorite actor, Gary Oldman; and three, Snape, my other favorite character in the books, is portrayed by another of my favorite actors, Alan Rickman. While I don't hold with the portrayals of Snape as a never-ending hangnail in Harry's toe, I do believe that he is very, very bitter, but not without hope, otherwise he would not be fighting for Lily's cause. Furthermore, (and I won't keep you much longer) I don't believe Sirius to be the "stuck-in-the-past" character he is often portrayed as; he has gone through an ordeal, and has yet to recover from it, and, without help from people whose minds are otherwise involved (Harry's included), he could very well be the brash and reckless type. I chose to humanize both these characters, rather than stereotype them, and give them a little more hope than they had received in the books, thus the basis for this story.
I started this story around seven years ago, but life got in the way and was unable to finish it at the time; it's been bouncing around my head since then. I've got some more time now, so I decided to take another stab at it. (I had previously published it around 2007, but I took it down so I could improve and expand on the story.)
I hope you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I do not, have not, and will never (unfortunately) own anyone or thing from Harry Potter, or the poem that I have used as an opener from Sara Teasdale.
"Deep in the Night"
Sara Teasdale
Deep in the night the cry of a swallow,
Under the stars he flew,
Keen as pain was his call to follow
Over the world to you.
Love in my heart is a cry forever
Lost as the swallow's flight,
Seeking for you and never, never
Stilled by the stars at night.
Prologue: Hushed
The moonlight shone through the darkness, showing nothing but the foliage sheltering the forest's inhabitants from the outside. As the night bore on, the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind was broken when an owl ruffled its mighty wings as its prey, once again, scampered away from the sound of harsh whispers drawing closer. It was not curious, however, that this owl did not persist in its hunt. For this was no ordinary owl. This owl was familiar with those known as wizards, and knew of the happenings in the wizarding world. The owl instead stayed perched in the tree, listening to the whispers that were now audible.
The rustling of the wind was broken into once more by a handsome wizard with dark hair.
"You must. It is the only way that I can be sure of your safety, yours and the babe's."
"I can't just leave you to what will come! The war has already broken into even the muggle world. If I leave you now, who will get you out of all the trouble your plans always get you into?" This voice was softer, more feminine, with a touch of desperate sarcasm, and came from a petite witch with hair that shone almost white in the spare moonlight as the wizard lead her through the darkening shadows.
A brief smile passed over the man's face. "Haeth, please, you can't be involved in this. I know what is to come. I have seen what the Death Eaters will do to those that do not join the fold, what Voldemort will do. I have told you everything that has come to pass, and even now, you know that Lily and James mount an attack upon the forces of our enemies. They are going into hiding soon after that." He looked at the witch briefly, "They asked me to be secret-keeper, as you know. I am the most obvious choice for this, and the Death Eaters will come after me first. They would go after you to get to me, and, then, James and Lily; if you were to be with me if I were taken, they would surely kill you. I must not even know where you are. I cannot afford to put your safety in jeopardy."
"And I will be worrying about your safety even more! Not to mention James, Lily, and baby Harry. He's barely been born, Sirius!"
"I have a plan, as to that. I'm going to have Peter be the secret-keeper in my place. I am sure that he will not be suspected, as I will." Sirius stopped after this, looking into the witch's, revealed to be Haeth, face, imploring her, "Please, think of the child within you. Think of our future."
Heath sighed, "But how should I know if anything were to happen to Lily or James? And you! You were always hopeless without me. How could I be sure you wouldn't walk straight into You-know-who's lair and challenge him to a duel yourself?" She sent a sidelong half-grin towards him.
"Oh, I'm sure I'll have my hands full with my dear cousin. I owe her for the McKinnons." Sirius looked relieved, as though a battle had been won. "I have made arrangements. Dumbledore has consented to be the secret-keeper of your location. He shall tell you-and me-of any news that comes to pass. And if anything should happen to me in this war, please, keep yourself and our child safe." Sirius was now leading Haeth farther along the winding path in the forest, until they came across a large willow tree. In the shadows of the luminous tree, one could vaguely make out a tall wizard with long shining hair and beard.
"Dumbledore." he said, "I'm happy to find you well. Thank you for meeting us here."
"Ensuring the safety of an old friend's child is always a priority." the old man replied, stepping out of the shadows slightly. "In these dark times, safety is hard to come by, indeed. I trust you have told her everything?"
"I have. I-"
"-Dumbledore, please promise me that I am not leaving him to die. Promise me that you will do what you can to protect him." Haeth cut in, grasping the dark haired wizard's arm tightly.
"Ah, Haeth, I promise. But you must come, the portkey activates in one minute's time. And in your condition, we cannot afford to miss it." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he gazed upon the heavily pregnant witch.
Haeth turned to Sirius, and hugged him fiercely. "Try to convince Lily to join me. I'm sure she'll need someone to secretly laugh at all you boys' exploits with; and it would set my mind at ease knowing she and our godson were safe with me." With this, she leaned up to meet the wizard's mouth, and gently placed her hand upon his arm.
"I love you, Haeth."
"And I, you. Good Luck." Haeth walked towards Dumbledore, and when she reached the shadows of the willow tree, she turned back with tears in her eyes. "Goodbye." Then, she was gone.
Halloween, 1981…
It had been too long. Too long since he heard any news from Lily and James. Too long since he had any sense of security in the world. Carefully laid plans were set in motion, and yet… he could not stop a sense of foreboding as the winds turned bitter, and the days grew darker. He stood and walked towards the window, peering out into the early morning grey, and wondered when Dumbledore would send his weekly message. Aching to learn whether his comrades in the struggle against Voldemort had gained an advantage, he restlessly stalked to the kitchen and rummaged through the shelves until he found what he'd been looking for.
"Nothing like firewhiskey to settle nerves," the wizard said, settling himself in front of the fire again, chuckling as he remembered the last time he had to resort to numbing himself due to nerves.
On the last day of September, over a year ago, he'd been sitting at James's dining table waiting to hear of his child's birth. Haeth had gone into labor earlier that day, and he'd been restless ever since Lady McTavish's owl patronus had flown through the open window. James had finally given up trying to calm him with words and resorted to giving him the best firewhiskey in the house. It was the last time they'd been together. He had gone into hiding shortly after the birthing, as it had been just after their attack on Voldemort's forces; though, there was little chance of anyone finding his own family: he'd found through the owl patronus that Dumbledore was not, in fact, Haeth's secret-keeper, the McTavish family magic had vested that secret in his daughter, whose name he didn't even know.
Remus had then gone to try and reason with the werewolves, and he had heard little news from him since, Peter had gone into hiding as well, for he bore a great secret, a secret that he himself was a diversion in an attempt to protect. And despite Haeth's best arguments, James and Lily decided that they should go into hiding together after Harry was born. 'It's best to keep the family together. He is after our son, and we won't risk their lives by hiding Harry with them.' they had said. That had been a year ago.
Taking a last long draw from the bottle, he stood up to throw it away when Dumbledore's phoenix patronus burst through the wall. "Voldemort is on the move. Your position might be compromised." it said in Dumbledore's rich tones.
Immediately, the wizard dropped the bottle and took off towards the forest near the house he had been staying in. As soon as he hit the tree line, he dropped and became the dog Padfoot. Racing east, he headed towards Godric Hollow, the preset meeting place if any of their hiding areas had been compromised. He looked toward the sky. An hour until dawn, he thought. I'm going to need my bike. So, turning back towards the house, he ran to the shed on the tree line, and after transforming back into a man, retrieved his prized motorcycle and quickly hid in the trees. After determining that there was no one around yet, he revved his motor and took to the skies, tapping his invisibility charms with his wand as he went.
When the first rays of light hit the horizon, he had reached the outskirts of the place his best friend called home. However, instead of a feeling of relief and joy, he felt a strong sense of dread; instead of seeing the smoke rise in the distance from his best friend's home, he saw nothing. And as he came upon the place where the house should be, horror clenched at his heart; a snake slithering through a glowing skull writhed over a wreck of a house. The sight of his best friend's house half in shambles with the upper right portion blown clear off brought tears of despair to his eyes. Seeing Hagrid in front of the house, he touched ground with his bike and revealed himself to him.
"Hagrid… what-? Are they… are they ok?" he asked the half-giant. Quickly Hagrid turned and the man saw that he was carrying a child. "Harry."
"They're all gone. You-know-'oo got 'em," was all Hagrid could get out before breaking down in giant shuddering sobs.
"Give Harry here, Hagrid. I'm his godfather; I'll take care of him." the man said.
"No, Dumbledore told me to bring 'im to Lil' Wingin', to his aunt and uncle. He says he's got to stay there, with blood."
Withdrawing his arms, the man suddenly realized why this happened, what had happened for this to ever have taken place. I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Remus. And with cold certainty, he knew what he must do next. Nodding his head, he told Hagrid to take his bike; he wouldn't need it where he was going. Watching Harry into the distance bundled up, unaware of the destruction around him, one thought came viciously to his mind: Peter Pettigrew…
With that, he turned south… and Padfoot again came to the forefront.
The cottage loomed in the darkness, casting eerily green shadows under the gaze of the Dark Lord's serpent. A man stood in the shadows across the way from where the man and giant had spoken. He had watched Black race away and vanish as he hit the tree line; now he turned his attention to the door hanging from its hinges. I have to know. The last time he had seen her her eyes were dark in anger.
Walking along the shadows, he held his cloak around his torso with one hand and his wand with the other. The cottage seemed to grow more distant as he grew nearer, until, suddenly, he was inside the entry hall, and James Potter was staring up at him, blankly. His upper lip twitched toward his nose, wrinkling it in disgust. No more than he deserved. He quickly looked up from the bloodless face, glancing about the room. Broken furniture, torn sofa, shattered glass and pictures scattered. Potter couldn't have put up this much of a fight. He didn't see anyone else. Walking slowly through the empty doorframe, he entered the kitchen. It was untouched. Dishes were in the sink and on the table, caught between dinner and dessert. Her face stared out from the wall, blinking confusedly. Eyes wide and clear and green.
In his mind, they were back in Spinner's End; he had just revealed himself to her, revealed herself to her. His leaf-bird fluttered around her red waves and up, up, while she looked at him, eyes wide. Clear. Green. It's alright. I'm like you. We're magical. We can be friends now. Forever. He shook the memory away. Her picture had turned to the child in her arms, as though the tuft of hair behind the glass on the wall could be hurt. As if they were real.
He abruptly turned back to the entry room. The stairs. She would be with him. The boy. The hall to the left was untouched, so he went right, where the walls seemed to tilt as if trying to stay upright when the world was shifting beneath them.
The door was open just enough so a draft blew his black hair from his face. Reaching out, he braced the wall, and pushed the door forward. Creaking, it revealed chaos open to the night, and the breeze shifted the blankets hanging over the crib walls. Splintered roof fallen in toward toys scattered across the floor seemed to stretch toward him, like the arm from underneath the rubbish blasted over the room. Suddenly the world jolted straight, and he was heaving over. Scrambling, he struggled to keep his footing as he moved the debris from the body; the red waves flowed over the face of it. He realized his hand was trembling as he smoothed the strands back, and he heard an animal breathing in the distance. Harsh breaths, like it had run from the blast and returned to see if it were safe again.
Her eyes were dull. Gazing at him. Frozen. He shuddered, and abruptly he realized that the harsh breathing was his own. And it wasn't breathing at all, but gasping, as though he could breath through the waves crashing in through his open mouth. Clutching the woman to his chest, he gasped until he found the strength to let out a moan. I'm sorry. He squeezed his arms against her flesh, straining. I'm sorry. It meant nothing, now. She lay there, staring. Her eyes, cold, dull.
In Scotland…
In the center of beautifully tended grounds of trees, gardens and waterways, stood a spectacular ancient castle, updated to fit the tastes of each generation, that was unusual in one way. This particular castle housed a particularly old family of wizards, the McTavishes. The McTavish family was known for their good hearts and their kindness to anybody whom the family set eyes upon. However, in recent years, while still keeping their reputation for kindness, they fell into a habit of reclusion. With the darkness of Lord Voldemort drawing a tighter web on their carefully protected world, they used a brand of protective magical barriers that their family was particularly knowledgeable and skilled with to keep those with rather unscrupulous intentions from finding their home.
While the dark times lifted from the outside world, the McTavish family kept in good contact with the outside world, and they knew exactly what had happened the night that the dark lord fell. It was the night that the youngest McTavish daughter lost her best friends, and lover. Haeth was currently in the gardens with her child, a girl, whom had hair black as night, unlike the fair McTavishes, and olive skin. The only way one would recognize her as her mother's daughter immediately was her eyes. This baby girl had stunning jade-green eyes that contrasted with her olive skin. And currently those eyes were fixed on the mother whom held her.
"My beautiful daughter, how I wish your father were here to tell you how much you are cherished." The mother spoke suddenly. "You are the light in the darkness of my sorrow, my sweet girl.
"I wish you could have known your godparents. They were kind and loving, just as you will be when you grow up. They died so that you and their son may live. So that you may live in a world free from the darkness of our past. And though throughout your life you will hear of your father as a dark man, a terrible man, it is my wish that you know the true story of your roots. I will tell you the story of your father, and the friends that made up our family, so that you will never be ashamed. Your father is a good man, and I hope that one day, you will also be the brightness in his night. One day, when you are older, I will take you to him. One day, when you have the ability to fight for your honor, and his. And your father will love you, for you are his daughter, Syra Black..."
Thirteen Years Later…
The countryside was a blur for Harry, as he was currently staring out of focus out the window of the compartment on the Hogwarts Express that he was sharing with his two best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. He had a lot on his mind lately, as it seemed that he now had family in the world that wished him more than just the short end of the stick. His thoughts were ruptured when he suddenly heard Hermione. "-window?"
"What?" He replied looking up at her.
"What's that outside your window?" She repeated, pointing to the window now being blocked by an excited creature bobbing with the wind.
Harry unlocked the window, and grabbed the bobbing owl with his hands, bringing him inside the compartment. Seeing the letter tied to his leg, he quickly untied it and the owl zoomed around the compartment in glee.
"It's from Sirius!" Harry exclaimed as he opened the letter. Reading aloud he continued to look through the letter.
Dear Harry,
I hope this finds you before you reach your aunt and uncle. I don't know whether they're used to owl post.
Buckbeak and I are in hiding. I won't tell you where, in case this owl falls into the wrong hands. I have some doubts about his reliability, but he is the best I could find, and he did seem eager for the job.
I believe the dementors are still searching for me, but they haven't a hope of finding me here. I am planning to allow some Muggles glimpse me soon, a long way from Hogwarts, so that the security on the castle will be lifted.
There are a few things I never got around to telling you during our brief meeting. It was I who sent you the Firebolt-
Shooting Hermione a sharp glance when she opened her mouth, looking smug, Harry said "Don't start. He wouldn't have jinxed it, and you know it."
"Yes, but we didn't know that then, did we?" Hermione replied.
Shrugging, Harry continued.
Crookshanks took the order to the Owl Office for me. I used your name but told them to take the gold from my own Gringotts vault. Please consider it as thirteen birthdays' worth of presents from your godfather.
I would also like to apologize for the fright I think I gave you that night last year when you left your uncle's house. I had only hoped to get a glimpse of you before starting my journey north, but I think the sight of me alarmed you.
I also have something which you must not disclose to anyone other than your most trusted friends. Over the summer, I am sure that you will find yourself at your friend Ron's home. Please find a way to be alone at the fire, and let me know when you have. I need to speak with you about something of the utmost importance.
I am enclosing something else for you, which I think you will make your next year at Hogwarts more enjoyable.
If you ever need me, send word. Your owl will find me.
I'll write again soon.
Sirius
Shocked, Harry looked inside the envelope and saw another piece of parchment, on which was written something that made even more joy spread to his fingertips.
I, Sirius Black, Harry Potter's godfather, hereby give him permission to visit Hogsmeade on weekends.
"That'll be good enough for Dumbledore!" said Harry happily. Looking back at Sirius's letter, he saw a post script written underneath his signature.
I thought your friend Ron might like to keep this owl, as it's my fault he no longer has a rat.
Ron's face lit up almost as quickly as it grew suspicious. He grabbed the owl, and held it out to Crookshanks, "What do you think?" When the large orange cat started to purr, he smiled and said "Good enough for me, he's mine."
Chuckling, Harry reread the letter, and wondered about Sirius's request. His thoughts, however, were interrupted by Hermione voicing them out loud.
"I wonder what he wants to talk to you about. The letter didn't say anything else about it?"
"No, he didn't say. I don't think he wants anyone to know about whatever it is except for us." Harry said thoughtfully.
"It might be something about Voldemort, from the last war." Hermione mused.
"Always analyzing every detail, Hermione. Why didn't I think of that?" Harry teased, his eyes dancing with mirth.
Hermione smirked in response, and continued, ignoring the silent laughter coming from Ron's corner. "Well, we ought to ask Ron's parents if we can stay over this summer. Maybe we can get them to take you early, Harry."
Ron suddenly looked like a light had gone on inside his head, "Speaking of the summer, Harry, the Quidditch World Cup is in August and we've got tickets for you and Hermione!"
"Oh, that's perfect!" Hermione exclaimed. "We could meet at the Burrow early, talk with Sirius, and start preparing for next term." When Ron opened his mouth, she hastily added, "For whatever Sirius wants, of course. And we all know you'll need a firm hand to get your summer work done for school, Ron." Ron scowled at her. "And you both need the extra time to work on your runes with me."
"Yes, we know." Harry replied, thinking of their conversation last week. Hermione had brought up the fact that now that the danger of Voldemort returning was at a new height, their studies should double. After much protest from Ron, Harry had agreed that they all needed to focus on bettering their skills and gaining every advantage that they could in the inevitable fight against Voldemort. It was then that Hermione suggested that they drop Divination and take Ancient Runes.
"The connection to the magical fount of all of our powers is intense when it comes to Ancient Runes." Hermione explained. "I've learned in the past year that ancient runes not only teach you of the magical history of all wizardkind, but help to focus your magical abilities bringing forth support for the spells and potions that you would use it for."
"That would be very useful." Harry agreed, nodding his head. "Do you think it could make our spells more powerful?"
"Through focus, yes. Not necessarily making you as a wizard more powerful-your magical ability is inborn and unchanging-but it adds potency to your spells that can only come through concentration and practice. I've seen the improvement on the minor spells that we have gone over this past year in the class."
"So, basically, we develop our magical skill rather than our magic itself?" Harry clarified.
"Roughly," Hermione said, "it's much like developing your skill to its maximum potential. The runes make it a bit easier to do, I suppose."
"Wonderful…more study." Ron said grumpily, throwing a sardonic smile at Harry.
"We'll need all the time we can get to catch you two up on what we went over last year." Hermione said, jolting Harry back to the present. "Not to mention keeping you up to date next term while you're wasting your time in Trelawney's class. Pity it was too late to change classes last week."
"Don't we know it. Another year making up new and exciting ways for Harry to die…" Ron said, looking forlorn. "As if we had new ways… I think we went through every imaginable way to die last year!"
Harry barked a laugh. "I'm sure new ways will occur to us. We might be able to add in Voldemort as a factor now, though—"Harry!" came from Hermione— and I'm sure she'll give us full marks for that travesty."
"Yea, I'm sure she'll love the bleak outlook on the future we have." Ron laughed. "Merlin, I can't wait to drop that class. I'm talking to McGonagall first thing next term."
"We might as well review all of our other subjects as well, before we meet up for the summer, we can get started on the books for next year when we go to Diagon Alley."
"Hermione!" Ron started in, "I've got enough to do this summer with just Ancient Runes! Can't you let a guy have some fun on his break?!"
Harry chuckled at that, then turned and looked out the window again. "We've better get ready, we're nearly there."
As the train pulled up to the station, the trio waited to get off in the corridors chatting amicably with the Weasley brood. As they gradually passed through the barrier to the Muggle world, Harry said his goodbyes to his friends and walked over to his Aunt and Uncle, the letter from Sirius still clutched tightly in his hand.
"I'll call you about the World Cup!" Ron called after him.
Turning and waving again to him and Hermione, he smiled and thought of the summer ahead. However, when he had reached his Aunt and Uncle, Vernon eyed the letter suspiciously and asked rudely what it was.
Harry grinned and said, "It's from my godfather, actually. He was just checking up on me."
Paling slightly, Uncle Vernon said, "You haven't got a godfather!"
"Yes, I have. He was my mum and dad's best friend." And then grinning mischievously, he added "He's a convicted murderer, you know. And he likes to keep in touch with me… keep up on the news… make sure I'm happy…" And Uncle Vernon's face paled even more, giving him a slightly gray pallor.
Suddenly, the summer didn't look so bad.
Coming next time: What will Harry think when he discovers that he has a god-sister?
Thanks so much for reading! Please leave a review with your thoughts.
WingedBlack